National Dorothy Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Dorothy Day (2025) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Dorothy Day is celebrated on December 3rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Dorothy Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about National Dorothy Day.

📅 What day is National Dorothy Day 2025?

In 2025, National Dorothy Day is on Sunday, December 3rd. It is the 1st Sunday in December; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about December 3, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year, on December 3, National Dorothy Day is celebrated to show appreciation for all the Dorothys in the world. This name often evokes childhood memories, especially for those familiar with “The Wizard of Oz.” It’s a chance for those who may not understand the significance of the reference to learn more. Dorothy is an English version of the Greek name Dorothea, which translates to “gift of God.” The name was given to a saint named Dorothea due to the inspiring story of her sacrifice.

📜 National Dorothy Day History

The name Dorothea has a historical significance as it was first mentioned in the “Martyrologium Hieronymianum,” a notable text that documented the names of Christian martyrs in chronological order. This text was highly influential during the Middle Ages and is considered the earliest surviving “martyrology,” including martyrs from various parts of the world. Apart from the factual account of Dorothea’s martyrdom and subsequent sainthood, the mythology surrounding her story is often the most intriguing aspect.

Dorothea was a young Christian woman who lived in Caesarea, Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) from 290 to 311 A.D. A lawyer named Theophilus fell in love with her, but she rejected him because of his pagan beliefs. In response, Theophilus accused her of refusing to participate in an idol sacrifice and reported her to the Roman governor. Due to the prevalent Christian persecution at the time, Dorothea was executed for her refusal to renounce her faith. On her way to death, Theophilus ridiculed her by asking for apples and roses from the garden of Paradise. Surprisingly, an angel fulfilled his request after her death, leading to Theophilus’ conversion.

St. Dorothy is now regarded as the patron saint of gardeners, and her feast day is celebrated on February 6 in various parts of the world. During the 1300s, she became a popular subject for painters, and numerous paintings and sculptures depict her. Another notable figure named Dorothy is Dorothy May Crowfoot Hodgkin, a British scientist who made significant advancements in understanding biomolecular structures through the use of X-ray crystallography. Her contributions earned her the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964. There are also other noteworthy individuals named Dorothy, including a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in World War I, a radical Catholic social activist and anarchist, an African-American woman who was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives, and a British hymn composer known for her children’s hymns.

✅ National Dorothy Day Facts

🔖 Dorofei is not a mispronunciation
Contrary to popular belief, Dorofei is actually the masculine version of the name Dorothy and is a rare variation in Russian.

🔖 Dorothea and Theodora
By observing closely, you will notice that Theodora is an anagram of Dorothea and can be traced back to it.

🔖 Dorothy has a last name
Dorothy, the famous character from Kansas portrayed by Judy Garland in the movie, also has a surname, which is Gale (interestingly enough).

👍 Why Is National Dorothy Day Important

When one considers some of the most famous personalities of the same name, the name Dorothy just generates a pleasant sense of nostalgia. It appears to be connected with feel-good classics, from Dorothy Gale of “Wizard of Oz” fame to Dorothy Zbornak of the “Golden Girls.”

If you do some research, you will notice that many of the famous Dorothies are women who have demonstrated resilience and courage in the face of adversity. They are all strong women who inspire everyone, not just those called Dorothy.

Dorothys, according to certain Internet personality tests, are more likely to be energetic, fun-loving people with magnetic personalities. Get in touch with your inner Dorothy and go have some fun. Experiment with something new. And if you happen to know a Dorothy, you’re in good hands.

🙂 How To Observe National Dorothy Day

⚡ Gift something to someone
Since the name Dorothy carries the meaning of “God’s gift,” why not draw inspiration from it and give someone a gift? Don’t let the fact that you should give a present to someone named Dorothy discourage you. Offering a gift is a common and meaningful way to show love and appreciation, so pick someone special and give them something unique.

⚡ Show some love to a Dorothy
Show your appreciation for the Dorothy in your life by going all out to make her feel special today. And if you don’t have a Dorothy in your life, challenge yourself to find one and connect with her. The approach you take to achieve this goal is completely up to you.

⚡ Pick a favorite Dorothy
Firstly, we have already given you a list of Dorothies. Now it’s time for you to explore the internet and discover more about the numerous Dorothies who have made their mark in folklore and history. Don’t worry, we won’t judge you if you happen to have a secret crush on Dorothy the Dinosaur.

📅 When is National Dorothy Day?

You can view all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Dorothy Day. So be sure to check back soon.